COVID-19 Coronavirus Recommendations for Buyers and Sellers

In these unsettling times, we want to reassure you that things are still running smoothly at HOMM Real Estate Services. In an abundance of caution, we have made some necessary changes to our business activities; all in an effort to protect our clients and agents. What does this change mean for you? 

While our door may be locked, we are open for business as usual with a slight twist.

• Lori Ellis, our incredible Office Assistant, is in the office daily completing her normal routines and taking calls from clients, renters, landlords and vendors.
• Our agents are working remotely, but, that’s pretty normal.  We have the latest cutting-edge technology which allows us to assist our clients from a variety of locations and times.
• Following the Florida CDC Coronavirus Guideline, our offices and frequently touched surfaces are regularly cleaned and disinfected. This allows us to accommodate those clients without internet access to meet their agent in our spotlessly cleaned and sanitized conference room. (Meetings are by appointment only and are limited to the parties of the transaction, while practicing social distancing.)
• We have installed a secure coded mailbox outside our main entrance where clients, vendors and business partners can pick up or drop off essential documents, keys and small items any time.
• As members of the National Association of Realtors, we are provided with additional resources and guidelines to protect the welfare of our Buyers, Sellers, Tenants and Landlords. We have implemented a few new policies and procedures when showing properties and conducting open houses. We will continue to practice the required social distancing, constant hand washing/sanitizing and greeting with a warm smile rather than a handshake.

We are committed to serving our buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords with the utmost care. Your well-being, and that of our agents, is of paramount importance. We are ready to take these additional precautionary steps and thank you for your understanding, patience and confidence in HOMM Real Estate Services.

1. Buyers and Mortgages – Interest rates are still low! Take advantage and get started now. We can assist with understanding what you can afford, lender suggestions and introductions. Remember, everything can be done electronically.  
2. Buyers Be Ready – If you are already in the buying process, don’t stop! Continue moving forward with getting your funds in order and obtaining your pre-approval. 
3. Sellers Stay Active – Keep your home on the market! Interest rates are still low, buyers are still making offers and inventory remains low. And keep looking. Your dream home could pop up at any moment, and you want to be ready to make your move.
4. The Power of the MLS – We have access to the most powerful home buying/selling tool available! Listings and sales are posted in real-time, and the added data captured within the MLS gives us accurate, timely information needed to help you make a wise and quick decision.  
5. Showings – We can arrange for in-person showings for vacant properties, always following CDC guidelines. We will be observant of social distancing, limit the number of attendees, ensure constant hand-washing/sanitizing – no handshakes, just smiles. For occupied properties, we will take additional steps, such as inquiring about the health circumstances of the sellers and the home’s occupants. We will remove shoes when entering a property. Further, we can bring our own cleaning/sanitizing supplies for door handles, or for our sellers, we suggest leaving a bottle of hand sanitizer by the sign-in sheet or front door. We can also offer live video chat showings. Your agent can walk through the property you have shortlisted and discuss the pros and cons. As your listing agent, we can conduct a live video chat showing or arrange this with the buyer’s agent.
6. Open Houses – We recommend limiting open houses with a preference toward a virtual open house. If a property is vacant, we will follow the same procedures as showings.
7. Inspections – We are ready to assist both our buyers and sellers, virtually or in a controlled in-person manner throughout the inspection processes. 
8. Offers – We use an electronic document management system for all buyers’ and sellers’ offers and contracts. For those without computer access, we can schedule appointments at the office, limiting to parties to the transaction only. 
9. Closings – Title Companies and Lenders have been conducting mail-away and electronic closings for some time now. We can manage the entire process for you and can arrange with you the best way to deliver keys.

Like you, we are closely monitoring circumstances as they unfold. We review Florida Health’s website on COVID-19 in addition to following protocols set by the National Association of Realtors. Ultimately, housing needs remain unchanged. Title Companies are already set up for mail-away and electronic signings and closings. We are finding the banks, lenders and mortgage brokers we work with are available and maintaining their busy routines.

Houses still need to be bought and sold and properties still need to be managed, and we’re here Helping Others Make Moves. Stay safe and stay healthy.

HOMM Real Estate Services, located in the Brandon, Florida area of Tampa-Bay focused to Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk Counties. As a full-service general real estate company, we specialize in general real estate, home buyers, home sellers, new home construction, rentals, tenants and landlords and property management.

Learn more about Marie Negron, her team and HOMM Real Estate Services. Call 813-684-5954 or email info.hommsales@gmail.com to get started.